Note: To send this article to a friend, your Facebook chat must be turned on.

Through nonprofit Magnified Giving, students of Villa Madonna Academy, St. Henry High School, Homes High School, and Covington Catholic High School are learning important lessons that are equipping them to be the next generation of philanthropists. They are being challenged to research area nonprofits, distribute grant applications and ultimately will present a check to the cause of their choice at a May 16 Magnified Giving Award Ceremony (to be held at McAuley High School).

Giving back is a concept that Roger Grein, the organization’s founder and president, was taught from his parents and one that he is committed to passing on to today’s youth. For his work, Grein was selected from 19,000 full time volunteers as the National Father George Mader Award by the Catholic Volunteer Network. Named after the Network’s founder, the annual Award is given to an organization or individual that encourages lay men and women to serve others locally, nationally, or internationally. He was also named 2012 Philanthropist of the Year from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cincinnati Chapter.

The vision of Magnified Giving is for every high school student in American, beginning with Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, to someday have an opportunity to learn firsthand how to be generous and wise philanthropists through hands-on experience.

The organization’s fourth year is seeing a record number of schools and students involved. Over 2000 students in 36 Magnified Giving programs (35 school-based and one community-based) are researching hundreds of nonprofit agencies, sending over 300 grant invitation letters, and will be awarding grants collectively totally nearly $60,000 at the 2012-2013 Award Event, scheduled for May 16 at McAuley High School.

Roger Grein with Heidi Jark, Fifth Third Bank Foundation manager and honorary chair for the National Philanthropy Day Awards luncheon by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cincinnati Chapter
Photo credit: Lowry Photo Group